Howdy folks,

Been trail riding about 6 months now using a second hand Trek 4500. Feel I’ve outgrown the bike, not as confident on it as I used to be and just feel it’s time I stepped it up a little.

We do single trail runs (Sherwood pines, Cannock Chase etc) and some peak district trails. I’m after a bike that reliable and light. Just really after some info/opinions on the following bikes and which are best value for money and suited to the types of rides described above.

Ghost HTX Actinum 7200 2011 –
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=55700

Kona Kula Gold 2011 –
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=75058&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_name=UnitedKingdom

Cannondale Trail SL1 2012 –
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/trail-sl-1-2012-mountain-bike-ec031490

Norco Nitro 6.2 2012 –
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/norco/nitro-62-2012-mountain-bike-ec032032

Any help greatly appreciated.

Chris

I’d suggest you buy a steel frame (lots of choices around £300) and some 120mm forks and transfer the rest of the bits over. You should have some money left over for a few other bits.

http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2540 ?

Oops, forgot to give the stock advice, buy what I’ve got.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=genesis+core+26.5&rlz=1C1FDUM_enGB483GB501&aq=f&sugexp=chrome,mod=9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=genesis+core+26.5&hl=en&rlz=1C1FDUM_enGB483GB501&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=HERSUNDkGe6k0AWjpoHgCg&ved=0CCsQrQQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=619f91a3b49a7579&biw=1304&bih=707

Genesis Core 26.5, it’s the absolute balls – seriously.

Dont think you could go wrong with

http://paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b0s1p3493

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FBOO4561X5/on_one_456_evo_x5_sektor_bike

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FRTITELGUV3/titus_el_guapo_frame_with_rockshox_monarch_rt3_shock

2012 Giant XTC 29er reduced to £1050

Soooooo none of the bikes above then? Well this has just made my decision even more difficult.

That Canyon bike looks very tasty.

If it helps, I really can’t recommend the Genesis Highly enough having done 1500km or so on it thus far this year. I should have posted that before the Canyon really. Have a search on here for other people’s opinions.

Out of those you’ve linked to, definitely the Ghost… Great bikes for the money, and that’s almost half price!

But as others have said, lots of good bikes out there for £1k…

How about this – http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-cotic-bfe-full-build

Too small really, I’m 5ft10. Looking at 17-18″ frames

Pompom +1

Cracking bike for that money.

Hi Chris, send me a e-mail if you can, I may have just the bike for you. 😀

Hi Chris, send me a e-mail if you can, I may have just the bike for you. 😀

All the above bikes do fit well with the budget, but often sizing can be a snag when buying online. Fallen foul of tasty offers myself on this front. Try them out locally, and buy nationally (ie online) if possible, and cheaper naturally.

As you’ve been riding a while I presume that you have all the other clobber one needs to enjoy the sport? If not, knock back the budget on the bike and invest in all those things that help improve the ride:

Good Helmet, gloves, shorts, shoes, backpack, specs, etc. Quality versions of these things ratchet up the cost, but make a lot of difference.

If I were you I’d spend 500-600 on a great second hand hardtail and keep the rest for accessories/clothing.

http://chasewatercycle.co.uk/shop/article_136/Saracen-Ariel-1-2011-17-inch-%C2%A3989.99.html?pse=coa

maybe a bit more burly than what you’re after?

not as confident on it as I used to be

I would wonder what that is all about, i always found the more riding i do the more confident i am,regardless of the bike. Don’t let it put you off buying something shiny thou 🙂

Best to try before you buy, Cannock’s bike shop do demo’s – and at this time of year you should get a good deal.

Sizing is most important, followed by a good fork and geo.

I would ideally like to try someone local, but unfortunately there arent too many local shops, and certainly nowhere that has enough variety for me to try the various ones I’m interested in.

Something puts me off the Genesis, not entirely sure what, it might be the chrome effect paintjob, I know the geo and equipment should be more important, but it is off putting.

I missed out on a 2010 Orange Crush on ebay earlier. Looked brand new with various uprated bits and went for just £600, unfortunately I won’t be in a position to buy until my back pay comes through on the 28th.

To be honest the Ghost is winning for me at the minute in terms of equipment (mainly x9 running gear) and it’s weight of just 11.3kg. The only issue is I can’t find it locally, only on chainreaction, so it would be a case of buy before I try.

Any further thoughts on the Norco? Seems similar to the Ghost, although 1kg heavier, but I can try before I buy at the Evans in Notts.

I’ve got this, based up in the Borders though, but take a look…

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-stunning-bfe

Looking for £1k ono. Just get in touch if you’re interested. Thanks.

You could do a lot worse than head down Halfords and get a Boardman.

The base model full sus looks a bargain at £1000 and the hardtails are pretty well specced for the dosh.

But the Genesis recommended above would also be a great choice.

Very happy with my cube ltd sl which should just be in budget at the moment in the sales.

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/6335/cube-ltd-sl-hardtail-bike-2012-sale

Couple of options Boardman pro hardtail only problem is halfords, other option is a cube Ltd race 2012 model which I nearly bought it has deore xt with fox evo floats up front. I have just bought the Merida O nine pro 1000d which was 1750 but down to 1150 I then ended up getting it for 1000 at a lbs in Newcastle. Just try some out and haggle especially if it’s a 2012 model

Maybe this http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FBOOWHCAB/on_one_whippet_x9_mountain_bike_2013?utm_source=old+Planet+X+and+On+One&utm_campaign=f3fa2283f2-monday_27th_august8_17_2012&utm_medium=email

? for 999GBP it is a bargain